Six inning game

Picture it. September pennant race. John Maine having already thrown 113 pitches after six, giving up two-strike foul ball after two-strike foul ball.

Enter Sandman.

Lost in the acquisition of JJ and K-Rod is the fact that Billy Wagner is still under contract with the Mets. With that comes news that he is doing well in his rehab and is looking at a possible return in August.

However, let's be realistic folks. He turns 38 in July and is coming off major surgery. It will be something just to see him in a Met uniform this season let alone become a key late-season pickup for the bullpen. The Mets owe him $10.5 million this season, money that could have been useful in picking up some pieces that would be ready for spring training.

Speaking of an annual salary in that range, SI.com’s Jon Heyman reported on MLB Network's Hot Stove show that the Mets have offered Oliver Perez a three year deal worth close to $30 million. It will be interesting to see the counter-offer from Scott Boras given the fact that there has hardly been any news linking Perez to other teams.